Bangladesh's Ambassador to the USA, Muhammad Imran, has called upon expatriate Bangladeshis to showcase the nation's rich history, culture, and heritage abroad. He emphasized the collective effort needed to realize the vision of transforming Bangladesh into a hunger- and poverty-free, developed, and prosperous "Sonar Bangla" (Golden Bengal), as envisioned by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC, celebrated Bangla Noboborsho (Bangla New Year 1431) with great enthusiasm and fanfare. As part of the "Passport DC's Embassy Tour 2024," an "Open House" program was organized, where a Mangal Shobhajatra (a traditional procession) was carried out from the embassy, parading the nearby streets of the US capital. Led by the ambassador and embassy officials, along with their families and invited guests, the rally featured traditional Bangladeshi musical instruments, masks, and other cultural items.

Among the attendees were Sharifa Khan, Alternate Executive Director of the World Bank, and a large number of foreign guests and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora. The highlight of the event was a spectacular cultural show showcasing Bangladesh's rich culture and heritage. The program commenced with a rendition of Biswa Kabi Rabindranath Tagore's song "Esho hey Boishakh, esho esho" by embassy officials and their spouses, followed by performances by artists of "Aparajeyo Bangla" and children of embassy officials.

Ambassador Muhammad Imran conveyed heartfelt greetings to the countrymen, expatriate Bangladeshis, and US citizens on the occasion, highlighting the significance of "Pahela Baishakh" as an integral part of Bengali culture and heritage. He also noted that the Mangal Shobhajatra was recognized as an intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO in 2016. The daylong program attracted over 5,000 foreigners and local residents, who enjoyed traditional Bangladeshi foods and explored stalls showcasing the country's traditional handicrafts, including Jamdani and Tangail sarees. Additionally, visitors had the opportunity to learn about Bangladesh's history of independence, the language movement, cultural heritage, and tourist attractions through posters, leaflets, and books displayed at the Bangabandhu Auditorium.

First Secretary Ataur Rahman oversaw the function, while counselor and Head of Chancery Shamima Yeasmin Smrite coordinated the event.